Blackwood car cruiser petition gets over 1000 names (From Campaign Series)

Blackwood car cruiser petition gets over 1000 names

1:39pm Tuesday 23rd June 2009

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MORE THAN 1,000 people have signed a petition to create a designated area for car cruisers outside Blackwood town centre.

Residents, retailers and the car cruisers themselves are calling for somewhere for the group of up to 400 drivers which regularly congregates in the town’s Asda car park to socialise.

The car cruisers have caused problems in Blackwood for more than 20 years by intimidating residents, causing traffic congestion and damaging trade.

A study undertaken by Blackwood-based problem-solving company NCL Solutions found there was demand for a safe area out of the town centre for car enthusiasts to meet.

NCL Solutions staff talked to retailers, residents, police and councillors and attended car cruisers’ meetings to determine what the problems were and what people wanted.

They found the best solution was to find somewhere away from residential areas which is in keeping with the surroundings, can be used for the community as well as car cruisers, can bring trade into Blackwood and will create jobs.

In their proposal they say the local authority should purchase a piece of land which could also house facilities for youth groups, parking for shoppers, a play area and night time food vendors.

A petition signed by 1,133 people was presented to Caerphilly council last week by Blackwood councillor, Kevin Etheridge, who said he supported the measures to remove the problem from Blackwood town centre.

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